Ghaziabad: As the city prepares for thousands of pilgrims in the days leading up to Shivratri on July 23, the food department has intensified inspections at kanwar camps along pilgrimage routes.All community food services, including bhandaras, must obtain permissions from local police and SDM before final food safety approval. Officials confirmed that over 60 long-term camps providing food and shelter have received necessary clearances. Arvind Yadav, assistant commissioner (food safety), said, “Short-term camps, which are set up only on one day, like a Monday, do not require such permission. They usually bring cooked food to distribute to the pilgrims or offer water or sharbat to them on the roadside.”To deal with the increasing number of camps, which is expected to cross 100 in the next two days, the department has deployed multiple food safety teams on the ground. “These teams are conducting regular checks for hygiene, water quality, raw material storage, and overall food handling practices. We’ve increased our field presence this year because of the expected scale of footfall,” Yadav said.Two teams are also conducting on-site food testing at major camps and coordinating closely with local authorities. “We are inspecting proactively to avoid food poisoning, waterborne diseases, and other health risks during the yatra,” he added.Special focus is being given to Dudheshwarnath Temple, which draws one of the largest crowds on Shivratri. “Pilgrims walk long distances in extreme heat. If food or water is unsafe, the impact could be serious. Our role is to support the yatra, not disrupt it—but it must be done safely,” Yadav said.Surveillance will continue through Shivratri, and camps found flouting norms may face immediate closure.
